4 vital reasons to ask R U OK?

World Suicide Prevention Day - or R U OK? Day in Australia - is on Thursday 10th September 2015, and it is a reminder that we all have the opportunity to reach out and connect with others who may be struggling.

Suicide - the sobering statistics

The most recent data on the Causes of Death in Australia released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed some sobering statistics in relation to suicide:

Suicide is the 14th leading cause of death in Australia

Almost 75% of deaths by suicide were males

In the 15 to 44 age group suicide is the leading cause of death

Suicide is the leading cause of death of children between 5 and 17 years of age

What you can do to help

Feeling connected to others is a protective factor when it comes to suicide, so reach out - ask your friends, family, and colleagues…even if it’s just checking in with them.

How do you boil a frog? Well there’s the anecdote that putting a frog in boiling water will lead it to jump out, but if that frog is placed into cool water and then very gradually heated, it won’t notice what is going on.

The thing is, gradual change can be hard to spot when you’re right in the middle of it. Sometimes it takes someone on the outside to point out the changes.

2.Because they may be feeling all alone

Feeling connected to others is a protective factor when it comes to suicide. Knowing that there is someone who cares about you can sometimes make the world of difference to someone.

3.Because even if they want to talk about it they may not know who to talk to

How do you broach the topic of telling someone that you don’t feel okay? At times it may seem easier just to keep quiet because you don’t know who will listen and be supportive. Let those that you care about know that you can be that person for them.

4.Precisely because it’s uncomfortable

Yes it may feel awkward. Yes it may feel uncomfortable. You may feel like you’re prying or sticking your nose into others’ business. How do you ask someone if they’re depressed...if they're not coping?

If you feel unsure as to how to ask someone R U OK? check this out to see how you can get these conversations started.

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